Hyundai's first ute to be electric only

Hyundai has confirmed that it is considering a battery-powered ute to battle it out with the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux, with the finished article likely to land in Australia by 2026.

Speaking to journalists at Korea's Busan motor show, Hyundai's global product and strategy boss Thomas Schemera revealed the car-maker was finally readying a pick-up for our market.

"Nothing has been confirmed yet, but I can imagine if there is a way to showcase and to compose vehicles like that [utes] – for example, for Australia and for the US," he said.

"We [will] make it happen."

It's believed that the Hyundai pick-up is still four years away and will be introduced alongside Kia versions that are scheduled for 2026.

When the new Hyundai ute arrives, petrol- or diesel-powered versions will not be offered, says Schemera.

"I have had many discussions with the Australian market. I know there is a big demand for that [a ute] and I really respect that. But to start developing vehicles on an ICE [internal combustion engine] doesn’t make any sense," he said.

"In this case, we have to shift our way of thinking and operating for the electric vehicle."

Hyundai's product boss would not confirm whether the pure-electric ute would be offered via the car-maker's IONIQ sub-brand or be marketed as a traditional Hyundai.

Kia, meanwhile, has announced two electric load haulers – one for emerging markets, and the second a "dedicated electric pick-up truck".

It's thought the second version will provide the basis for the Hyundai ute.

The model for emerging markets is expected to be sold with both petrol and diesel engines, due largely to the fact that there's a lack of infrastructure for EVs.

There's no word on what architecture either vehicle will be based on, but a safe bet is the truck for emerging markets will sit on a more flexible ladder-frame chassis that will help Kia package either a combustion engine or battery and electric motors.

The dedicated EV ute is set to be either based on the more sophisticated E-GMP architecture that underpins the IONIQ 5 or be underpinned by an all-new ladder frame that will support both its electric powertrain and be tough enough to carry a one-tonne payload.

In the US, Hyundai already offers the car-based Santa Cruz ute that was introduced last year but ultimately ruled out for Australia as it is left-hand drive only.

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